For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
What does James 2:13 mean?
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outward circumstances and appearances, in a manner not agreeing with their profession of being disciples of the lowly Jesus.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside James 2:13-14 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on James 2:13
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy - This is obviously an equitable principle, and is one which is everywhere found in the Bible. Proverbs 21:13 . "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself but will not be heard." 2 Samuel 22:26-27 , "with the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful, and with the froward thou wilt show thyself unsavory." Compare Psalm 18:25-26 ; Matthew 6:15 ; Matthew 7:1-2 .
Key words
- judgment
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For he shall have judgment without mercy,.
- without
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For he shall have judgment without mercy,.
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For he shall have judgment without mercy,.
Context in James 2
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James 2 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as hearing and doing the word. James is a wisdom-shaped epistle about testing, speech, wealth, impartiality, works, prayer, and practical holiness. Read this chapter with the wider themes of works, wisdom, and speech in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.
Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Passages on asking, persistence, confession, dependence, and the way prayer shapes Christian life and attention.
Verses on the fear of the Lord, wise speech, practical judgment, teachability, and the difference between biblical wisdom and mere cleverness.